13
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Pelican Lake Campground
Overview This Campground is on a First Come - First Serve Basis, vistors are required to physically be at the campground to purchase and claim a site. You must also occupy the area the day you pay for it, no advance payments. We encourage our visitors to download the recreation.gov app to take advantage of the Scan & Pay Option. There is also an Iron Ranger on site that you can pay with cash or check Pelican Lake Campground is located at 4,800 feet and has 11 individual campsites and two group sites. Pelican Lake is well known for the outstanding bluegill and bass fishing. Bird watching is also a popular pastime in the spring, when the waterfowl come to live and rear their downy young. Recreation Pelican Lake is well known for the outstanding bluegill and bass fishing. Bird watching is also a popular pastime in the spring. Facilities Pelican Lake is well known for the outstanding bluegill and bass fishing. Bird watching is also a popular pastime in the spring. Natural Features Pelican Lake has been a nationally-renowned bluegill fishery since the 1970’s when Jim Zumbo published an article in Outdoor Life on the potential for daily bag limits of 1.5 pound bluegill. Since then, anglers have held high expectations for Pelican Lake. Unfortunately, in 2008 and 2009, adult carp entered Pelican Lake in large numbers and turned the lake from a clear waterbody dominated by largemouth bass and bluegill to a lake dominated by carp. The carp’s ability to outcompete bluegill for food eventually led to a decline in bluegill condition and a few years later, a decline in largemouth bass condition. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), and avid Pelican Lake anglers anticipated this decline and convened a working group that developed a management plan for the lakes future success. Nearby Attractions Ouray National Wildlife Refuge Ouray National Wildlife Refuge lies along the Green River in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah. The Refuge provides diverse habitat types supporting over 350 fish and wildlife species and offers numerous wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities.
- 13 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: shelter nonelectric (11).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Pelican Lake Campground special
Pelican Lake Campground offers a welcome oasis in the high desert landscape of northeastern Utah, just a short drive from the town of Vernal. With 13 first-come, first-served sites, this campground provides a relaxed and unpretentious base for exploring one of Utah's most underrated recreation areas. The lake itself is a warm-water gem, popular with anglers chasing bass and bluegill, and calm enough for kayaking and canoeing on summer mornings before the afternoon breeze picks up. The surrounding terrain is classic Uinta Basin: rolling sagebrush hills, red-tinged rock formations, and wide-open skies that put on a spectacular show at sunset. Dinosaur National Monument is the marquee attraction nearby, where visitors can marvel at an ancient quarry wall embedded with hundreds of fossils. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area also lies within a reasonable day-trip distance, offering world-class fishing and dramatic canyon scenery. Because sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, weekday visits tend to be more relaxed, though the campground rarely feels overcrowded even on weekends. The best season runs from late spring through early fall, with May and September offering comfortable temperatures without the peak summer heat. Bring shade structures and plenty of water, as this is open country where the sun makes its presence known.
Campsite Inventory
13 sites to choose from
SHELTER NONELECTRIC
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Check-in time
02:00 PM
Check-out time
02:00 PM
Condition Rating
Standard
Driveway entry
Back-in, N/A
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
100, 35, 37, 40
Driveway surface
Gravel
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
30, 8
Minimum guests
Yes
PICNIC SHELTERS
Picnic Shelters
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Picnic Table
Shade
Shade, Yes
Site Access
Drive In
Site length (ft)
100, 112, 35, 37
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
435-781-4400
blm_ut_vn_mail@blm.gov
Getting There
25 miles southwest of Vernal, UT on UT-88
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Pelican Lake Campground.
How do reservations work for Pelican Lake Campground?
Reservation availability for Pelican Lake Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Pelican Lake Campground?
Pelican Lake Campground currently lists SHELTER NONELECTRIC (11), GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (2).
Where is Pelican Lake Campground located?
Pelican Lake Campground is in Utah near Vernal. Coordinates: 40.1824, -109.6940.
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